Congress Clarifies Stance on USAID Funding, Questions BJP’s Double Standards
New Delhi, February 21, 2025: The Indian National Congress has issued a clarification regarding its stance on foreign funding, particularly from agencies like USAID, amid ongoing political debates. Senior Congress leader Pawan Khera emphasized that the party is not against USAID or any funding agency but insists on adherence to the country’s laws governing such funds.
Khera pointed out that several NGOs, including those associated with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), receive foreign funding under the same legal framework. “It is wrong to deliberately single out the Congress party when the laws apply equally to all,” he stated.
In a sharp rebuttal, Khera highlighted instances of BJP leaders’ involvement with foreign funding agencies. He recalled, “When Smriti Irani was a brand ambassador for USAID and performed on the streets carrying cylinders, was USAID performing then? Why is there no scrutiny of such actions?”
Khera also brought up the case of social activist Anna Hazare, who protested against corruption in Delhi during the Congress-led UPA government. “After the protest, Anna Hazare went to America and conducted a roadshow. Funds from the Ford Foundation were used, and even the RSS was involved. Why is there no discussion about this?” he questioned.
The Congress leader accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of maintaining a “one-sided relationship” with former US President Donald Trump, alleging that such actions compromise India’s reputation. “Modi’s approach to foreign relations, especially with Trump, is betraying the country’s dignity and sovereignty,” Khera asserted.
The statement comes amid a heated political climate, with both parties trading accusations over transparency and accountability in foreign funding. The Congress has demanded a fair and unbiased investigation into all foreign funding cases, regardless of political affiliations.
As the debate intensifies, the hashtags #Congress, #USAID, and #FundingLaws are trending on social media, with citizens and political analysts weighing in on the controversy. The Congress party’s clarification seeks to set the record straight while challenging the BJP to address its own history with foreign agencies.
The ball is now in the court of the ruling party to respond to these allegations, as the nation watches closely.
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